10 Ways To Stay Healthy On A Cruise, But Still Enjoy Yourself

26.08.2023 - 16:33 / forbes.com

Whether it’s your first time cruising or your fiftieth, boarding a cruise ship is an exciting moment. In mere moments, you’ll be enjoying ocean views, lively entertainment, new destinations, and meeting new people.

But with almost round-the-clock dining opportunities, comfortable lounges, and sugary cocktails on demand, it’s very easy to overindulge and neglect your health.

Here are ten ways you can maintain a balance between enjoyment and health on your next ocean voyage.

From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, a cruise ship buffet offers temptation almost beyond belief. While it's fine to indulge once in a while as long as you adopt good buffet habits, daily visits to the buffet can easily lead to overeating.

Instead, opt for sit-down meals at the ship's main dining room, where portions are controlled and you can make healthier menu choices. It’s much easier to avoid temptation when the colorful range of desserts isn't within arm's reach.

Starting your day with a workout can set the tone for a day of healthy choices. Most cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art fitness centers. Even a 20-minute session in the morning can boost your energy and make you feel less guilty about that dessert you might have later.

Plus, getting your exercise quota in before you’ve even had breakfast takes away the risk of talking yourself out of it later in the day. Need further encouragement? Lay out your workout clothes before going to bed to reduce any decision friction when you wake.

Modern cruise ships are large and have multiple decks. Instead of always taking the elevator, use the stairs. It's a great way to get in some extra steps and keep your legs active.

Of course, this might be too much on some of the biggest vessels. For example, if you have a stateroom on deck 5 of the MSC World Europa, you’re likely going to be using the elevator to reach the buffet on decks 18 and 19. However, if you commit to using the stairs to reach the atrium and promenade on deck 8, that will add up over the course of a typical 7-night cruise.

While they might at first glance seem like a good deal, there’s a lot to consider about the value of beverage packages. But regardless of value, having an unlimited drinks package can encourage excessive drinking, both in terms of alcohol and—especially with the dizzying range of cocktails on offer on many cruise ships—sugar.

Not only can alcohol consumption add empty calories, but it can also lead to dehydration. If you do decide to drink, do so in moderation and always pair it with water.

Speaking of hydration, being at sea in a different environment can make it easy to forget to drink water. However, staying hydrated is essential for digestion, skin health, and overall